# 3. Connecting Data Sources

## Connecting Data Sources

In this chapter, you'll learn how to connect various data sources to your BuildingPro Suites instance and prepare the incoming data for use in the platform. This process can be divided into three phases:

* **Phase A: Data Acquisition** – External devices acquire raw data and send it to a server or broker. This phase takes place entirely outside of BuildingPro Suites.
* **Phase B: Connectivity** – A direct data connection is established between the server/broker and BuildingPro Suites. This is where various interfaces like MQTT, RESTful, or Webhook come into play.
* **Phase C: Data Processing** – The incoming data is decoded in BuildingPro Suites, converted into a usable format, and assigned to the corresponding assets.

To begin with Phases B and C, you need to ensure that your external devices and servers are correctly configured. Additionally, the corresponding asset templates and assets must be created in BuildingPro Suites so that the data can be assigned.

For even simpler integration, you can also use our specialized [→ Apps](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/getting-started/broken-reference). These automate the creation of assets and asset types, so you don't have to worry about manual configuration. The choice of the right connectivity method depends on your existing infrastructure and the devices you want to integrate.

Find out more here:

{% content-ref url="broken-reference" %}
[Broken link](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/getting-started/broken-reference)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## Dedicated Integrations

These integrations are optimal if you already have a specific system in use for your building automation.

More info about Edge Nodes:

{% content-ref url="../academy/edge-nodes/edgenodes-in-abb-buildingpro" %}
[edgenodes-in-abb-buildingpro](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/academy/edge-nodes/edgenodes-in-abb-buildingpro)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### Niagara

The Niagara integration is ideal if you use the Tridium Niagara Framework for building automation. BuildingPro Suites enables seamless and bidirectional communication, so that control logic, sensor data, and alarms are automatically synchronized between Niagara and BuildingPro Suites.

The main advantage: The automatic, continuous synchronization of assets, asset types, and their structure reduces manual effort to a minimum.

{% content-ref url="../mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/edge-app-marketplace-for-plug-ins-and-extentions/apps/niagara" %}
[niagara](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/edge-app-marketplace-for-plug-ins-and-extentions/apps/niagara)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### OpenBOS

The OpenBOS app is perfect for integrating ABB Ability™ Building Edge systems. The app ensures automatic, continuous asset creation (CAC) and synchronizes alarms.

The main advantage: The assets are organized in BuildingPro Suites in the same structure and topology as in OpenBOS, which significantly simplifies management and clarity.

{% content-ref url="../mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/edge-app-marketplace-for-plug-ins-and-extentions/apps/openbos" %}
[openbos](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/edge-app-marketplace-for-plug-ins-and-extentions/apps/openbos)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## General Connectivity

For other devices and systems that use standardized protocols, the following options are available. Click on the links for detailed instructions:

* [Connect devices via Modbus](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-via-modbus/create-new-modbus-connection)
* [Connect devices via MQTT](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-via-mqtt)
* [Connect devices via RESTful](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-via-restful/configure-restful-connection)
* [Connect devices via Webhook](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-via-webhook)
* [Connect devices via Kafka](https://github.com/sasax7/gitbook/blob/main/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-to-abb-buildingpro/...with-kafka)
* [Connect devices via OPC UA](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/mandatory-base/platform-core/connect-hub/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-via-opc-ua)
* ...